As the new year begins, so do the endless resolutions and goals.  Year after year the top three resolutions in the U.S. remain the same -- lose weight, exercise more and save money.  The acting force that drives these goals is to achieve that which is most valued, yet illusive.  Although a healthy lifestyle and financial security are admirable initiatives, none are as crucial as spiritual growth. 

We recently interviewed the President of Lamplighter Ministries, Dr. Mark Hamby.  Their ministry creates character-building content that brings people of all ages closer to God through the inspiring art of storytelling.  For more than 30 years, they have collected over 200 character-building stories that are based on the foundation of God's word.  Instead of prioritizing a new workout routine or budget, Lamplighter provides us with the opportunity to be intentional and focused on building the character of God into our lives.

Our Barnabas Group ("TBG") family has embraced Lamplighter Ministries.  For over a decade our partners have used TBG's platform to help focus and grow their ministry.  We recently interviewed Dr. Mark Hamby, who shared the following about our impact:  

 

" TBG has been instrumental to our ministry here at Lamplighter. They have provided services, and connected us with people who have come alongside and helped us in many areas. TBG have connected us with professionals who have helped us get our finances in order, provided counseling, and they've helped us to clarify our focus as a ministry.   

Several TBG partners have come from the west coast to see what God is doing for themselves. TBG's Bay Area president and his wife visited our headquarters in western New York.  When they came we thought they would be primarily focused  on giving us advice.  Instead, they immediately began serving our staff and teachers, giving us an example of what true leadership and service really looks like.

TBG partners have also come alongside of us in other ways as well.  For instance, one TBG partner from San Diego spent an entire year of his life helping me just by asking "Mark, what is your vision? Where do you want to go, and how do you want to get there?" These connections have been instrumental in helping a ministry like ours. We don't have an extensive staff, and sometimes we don't have the same level of professional experience as people who have been running businesses for years. Through Barnabas we have met industry professionals who have come alongside us and provided invaluable counsel and wisdom. 

 

This past summer a Barnabas member brought his daughter to the Guild and it was life-changing for both of them. I invite you to start by receiving our free catalog of rare books that I promise will be life-changing for your children and grandchildren of all ages.  Also, I invite you to come and visit us and experience God's blessing and our love as we serve you, especially as we take you to see the Grand Canyon of the East just one mile from our headquarters!  We have guest houses that you will enjoy, with 60 acres of woods and waterfalls.  Come join us and become partners in this great work that God has raised up for such a time as this."

 

So I challenge you to become more intentional about the spiritual growth of yourself and your family.  Lean into God in 2020, and make spiritual growth your top initiative!